Napo Wildlife Center Mammal List
The list below contains a list of mammals both found at the Napo Wildlife Center and species that we expect to be found there based on literature searches. All of the monkeys have been found at the lodge, including the Golden-mantled Tamarin which is the featured on the logo of the Napo Wildlife Center. This stunning little monkey is only found South of the Napo River, and so the Napo Wildlife Center is the only lodge on the Upper Napo River to have this species. Upwards of six species of monkeys have been seen in a single afternoon from the Dining Hall tower, so you have a very good chance of seeing lots of monkeys. Take a look at the Howler Monkey video (1.5Mb Quicktime video)

Giant Otters are also seen at the Napo Wildlife Center. There are two family groups that move among their dens, and they are found in all of the streams and in the lake in front of the lodge. These Giant Otters are one of the reasons that no motorized boats are allowed on the streams or lake, and appear to be curious (rather than scared) when visitors happen upon them. Again, Giant Otters are not found on the north bank of the Napo, so Napo Wildlife Center is the only lodge on the Upper Napo River to have this species. Take a look at the Giant Otter video (1.5Mb Quicktime video).

Capybara come into the lodge compound almost every night. You will have to stay up relatively late to see them, but they are almost always there.

Peccaries, Tapir, Brocket Deer, and all of the Cats are difficult to find, but when found are generally seen quite well. There has been no hunting in the Napo Wildlife Center Reserve for well over a decade, so these animals are not abnormally scarce or frightened by humans.

Manatees are present in the lake at Napo Wildlife Center, but are extremely difficult to see. Many other mammals are nocturnal and require special effort (or luck!) to find. The one thing that you can be certain of is that there is no better lodge in Eastern Ecuador to find wildlife. With its prime location on the South Bank of the Napo River and its placement within the 82 square mile reserve, the Napo Wildlife Center is among the wildest places in the world. Be sure to take a look at the bird list as well.
The mammal list was prepared by Norby Lopez and Peter English.

Updated April 2007.